Meet the Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe that just might become the most requested dessert in your home. Imagine intensely fudgy brownie layers sandwiched with a thick, soft layer of edible cookie dough, all crowned with glossy chocolate ganache. This show-stopping cake is a dream for chocolate lovers and cookie dough fans alike. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply want to make an ordinary day special, this Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe promises richness, nostalgia, and pure bliss in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every part of this Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe is powered by simple, classic ingredients with delicious results. From decadent cocoa powder to sweet creamy butter, each plays a role in the flavor, texture, or gorgeous finish of your final cake.
- Unsalted Butter (2 cups total): Rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor and tenderness for both brownie and cookie dough layers.
- Granulated Sugar (2 1/2 cups): Sweetens the brownies and cookie dough perfectly without being overpowering.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup): Lends a caramel warmth and soft chewiness to the cookie dough layer.
- Large Eggs (4): Essential for structure and fudgy texture in the brownies.
- Vanilla Extract (3 teaspoons): Unifies the chocolate and cookie dough flavors, giving a bakery-style aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour (3 cups, divided & heat-treated for dough): The workhorse of the cake, creating sturdy brownies and safe-to-eat cookie dough.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1 cup): For deep, dark chocolate intensity in every brownie bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Brings moisture and softness to the cookie dough layer.
- Mini Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Spread through the cookie dough for delightful bursts of chocolate.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1 cup): Melted into luscious ganache draped over the cake.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Turns chocolate chips into the silkiest ganache topping.
How to Make Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take two 8-inch round cake pans, line them with parchment paper, and give them a light coating of non-stick spray or butter. This step makes removing those delicate brownie layers a total breeze—and ensures you won’t lose any delicious crumbs to the pan.
Step 2: Whip Up the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and granulated sugar together until it’s glossy and combined. Crack in the eggs and add vanilla extract, beating the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt just until the batter comes together. Be careful not to over-mix—this keeps the brownies rich and fudgy.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Divide the brownie batter evenly between your prepared pans and spread it out. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not liquid batter). Let the brownies cool completely in the pans—resist the urge to rush, as they need to be sturdy for stacking.
Step 4: Make the Cookie Dough Layer
For the cookie dough, cream softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar using a handheld or stand mixer until fluffy and pale. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract. Gradually add the heat-treated flour (to make it safe for eating) and blend until just incorporated. Gently fold in those adorable mini chocolate chips for pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble the Layer Cake
Place one of the cooled brownie layers on your serving plate. Dollop all the cookie dough on top, then use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it in an even, thick layer all the way to the edge. Top it with the second brownie, pressing ever so gently to stick the layers together and keep things tidy.
Step 6: Prepare the Ganache
For the crowning glory, heat the heavy cream until just steaming, then pour it over a bowl of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for two minutes so the chips get melty, then stir until silky smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly so it thickens just a bit—this helps it stay on top without immediately running off.
Step 7: Frost and Chill
Pour the ganache over the entire cake, letting it drip luxuriously down the sides—this dramatic finish is part of the Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe’s appeal! Pop the whole cake into the fridge for at least one hour. This final chill sets the layers for neat slices and the ultimate indulgent texture.
How to Serve Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Take your Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe to the next level by topping it with extra mini chocolate chips, swirls of whipped cream, or a scatter of rainbow sprinkles for a festive burst of color. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce is pure decadence.
Side Dishes
This cake is ultra-rich, so pairing it with something light and refreshing is a treat. Consider fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a tall glass of cold milk. The contrast really makes each bite of the Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe even more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into wedges and nestling each slice atop a pool of warm fudge sauce. For parties, slice the cake into small bars or cubes and serve as part of a dessert platter. You can even turn wedges into stunning “cake pops” by inserting a lollipop stick and dipping them in more ganache—so fun for a birthday surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover slices of your Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. The brownie layers stay fudgy and the cookie dough stays soft—just be sure to enjoy within four to five days for best taste and texture. The ganache may firm up, so let slices sit at room temperature for a few minutes before digging in.
Freezing
If you want to save some of your Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe for later (as if that’s possible!), you’re in luck. Wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temp before serving for that just-baked experience.
Reheating
If you love warm brownies, you can microwave slices for about 10–15 seconds—just enough to perk up the cake and make the ganache slightly gooey again. Remember, if there’s whipped cream or other cold toppings, add those after reheating.
FAQs
Can I bake this cake in one large pan instead of two rounds?
It’s best to use two 8-inch round pans as written, so the brownie bakes evenly and stacks beautifully with the cookie dough layer. A single deep pan may not cook through properly, but two rounds keep things easy and foolproof.
Is it safe to eat raw flour in the cookie dough?
To enjoy edible cookie dough safely, always heat-treat your flour by microwaving or baking it as described in the recipe. This simple step kills any bacteria and keeps the Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe family-friendly.
Can I substitute gluten-free flour or vegan ingredients?
You absolutely can! Substitute your favorite one-to-one gluten-free baking blend for the flour. For dairy-free needs, use vegan butter and plant milk, and choose allergy-friendly chocolate chips for a treat everyone can enjoy.
How do I get clean slices when cutting the cake?
For picture-perfect slices, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water (and wiped dry). Clean the blade between cuts to prevent smearing layers together—this trick makes the Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe look as gorgeous as it tastes.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Yes! Double all ingredients and use two 9×13-inch pans for the brownie layers. Adjust baking time as needed, and prepare extra cookie dough and ganache to ensure every layer is just as generous.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a lifelong cookie dough lover, a brownie devotee, or simply craving the ultimate chocolate celebration, this Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe is bound to win hearts and spark happy memories. I hope you enjoy baking—and devouring—it as much as I do. Go ahead, give it a try, and treat yourself to a little slice of pure joy!
Print
Cookie Dough Brownie Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Cookie Dough Brownie Cake recipe. Layers of rich brownie, luscious cookie dough, and decadent ganache come together for a show-stopping treat that will impress any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
For the brownie layers:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the cookie dough layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (heat-treated)
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
For the ganache topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare pans: Preheat to 350°F, line cake pans with parchment paper, and grease.
- Make the brownie layers: Mix melted butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, stir in flour, cocoa, and salt. Bake and cool.
- Prepare cookie dough layer: Cream butter with sugars, add milk and vanilla. Gradually mix in flour and chocolate chips.
- Assemble the cake: Layer brownie, cookie dough, and second brownie. Press gently.
- Make the ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, stir until smooth. Pour over cake and chill.
Notes
- To heat-treat flour, microwave for 1 minute or bake at 350°F for 5 minutes.
- For easier slicing, use a warm knife, wiping clean between cuts.
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